updated 10:30 pm EDT, Thu October 7, 2010

May become the largest mall-based store in US

Construction work at the St. Louis (Missouri) Galleria reveals that Apple, who now have a mini-store in the mall, are moving to a full-size venue that could become the largest mall-based Apple Store in the US, including an out-front lounge and kiosk area.

The lounge area is part of the design of the mall itself, and was used by the space's former occupant Starbucks. The 592-square-foot lounge and kiosk could be used by Apple as a wi-fi lounge, a training area or even Genius bar, the first time the company would put the bar outside the store. Employees of the current mini-store often hold training sessions outside the store due to the limited space.

The new store itself appears to be at least 8,000 square feet, more than twice the size of the Delia's next door, according to floorplans. While small compared to some standalone Apple Stores, it's quite expansive compared to the mini-stores, which range from under 1000 square feet to a maximum of 2000.

Construction for the new St. Louis Galleria Apple Store is underway, but there is no information on when it could open. [viaifoAppleStore]